Pastoral Care System

We seek to develop the unique talents and totality of needs of each child in a caring environment where honesty, integrity and openness are fundamental values. We strive to establish an atmosphere of caring and mutual respect conducive to learning. Our system of pastoral care exemplifies fairness, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness, while at the same time sets high standards of respect, self-discipline, commitment and generosity.

Supporting Individuals

Every class group in the school is assigned a Form Teacher who meets with the class at the beginning of each day.

The Year Head and Form Teacher monitor closely the overall well-being and academic progress of each child and are thus in a good position to liaise closely with parents and guardians.

Trained counsellors are available to pupils who feel that they need additional support in challenging circumstances. A Pastoral Assistant is available to provide day-to-day support for pupils.

Supporting Learning

We strongly believe that young people will learn and make progress when they have the necessary skills and positive attitudes to learning. All, pupils in the school are involved in 'Learning to Learn' programmes appropriate to their stage of development. In addition to this, they will have one-to-one or small group discussions with a Learning Mentor who will help them personalise the programme to meet their own needs and circumstances.

Sixth Form students are assigned to a Learning Tutor who has day-to-day contact with them and who monitors their overall academic achievement and well-being. The team of Learning Tutors is led by a Year Head who plays a very active role in supporting students throughout their sixth form experience. All students follow a Personal, Social and Health Education programme that includes Careers and Independent Learning Skills. Students applying to Further and Higher Education are supported through the UCAS and CAO application process.

Promoting Good Behaviour

The emphasis is on promoting positive behaviour which will allow our students to learn and succeed in a safe, secure environment.

We encourage pupils to work to the best of their ability and to behave in a responsible manner, showing respect for other pupils, staff and property. We believe that children will learn best in an ordered environment where there are good relationships based on mutual respect for all in the school community. Teachers actively seek the cooperation of all pupils by encouraging self-discipline and a sense of responsibility, by having clear expectations of behaviour for our pupils in all situations, and by insisting on high standards in relation to uniform, attendance and punctuality.

Promoting Health and Wellbeing

We actively promote healthy lifestyle choices which reflect the dignity, worth and value of each individual. We have a team of well-trained and experienced staff who provide pupils with a range of opportunities to engage in Drugs Awareness, Sex Education, and general Health Education programmes. Our Anti-Bullying policy and practice are effective and include a crucial role for senior pupils who lead an 'Anti-Bullying' group in the school.

Promoting Links with Parents

We see parents as key partners in the education of their child and strive to maximise the potential of their support for their own child and for the school in general.

We are committed to:

Seeking parents' views and opinions on various aspects of school life

Keeping parents informed of all matters relating to their child's progress and well-being

Keeping parents informed by distributing key policy documents

Organising Parent Information evenings at key milestones in a child's school career

Investigating any complaints and concerns parents may have and working cooperatively to resolve difficulties